Walkabout According to Merriam Webster

walkabout

Pronunciation:

\ˈwȯ-kə-ˌbau̇t\

Function:

noun

Date:

1908

1: a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work —often used in the phrase go walkaboutwalkabout was making a ritual journey — Bruce Chatwin>2: something (as a journey) similar to a walkabout3: a walking tour ; especially : one in which a well-known person mingles with the public walkabout in the streets>
We're not Australian aborigines or famous, but getting out of the house and taking a walk has become something of a spiritual journey for us these days. All three of us can only stand being inside the house for so long before it becomes imperative that we get out. Weather permitting we will head out the door for about an hour to walk around the neighborhood. Since I want Norah to use as much energy as possible, I have been taking the single stroller so that Justin can ride and Norah can walk. She is very well behaved, either holding my hand or the stroller, or walking right next to me as we go.

Our pace is a slow one, but it allows us to observe everything around us. We will look at all the trees, stop to observe the bugs crawling across the sidewalk, watch birds and butterflies dance on the wind, and laugh as squirrels run around. We even had a cat (which Norah calls "puppy") try to follow us one day, and have gotten to know many of the neighborhood dogs. Justin is very patient as Norah tries to help pull the stroller along, and we all take regular water breaks from our sippy cups and water bottles.

By the time we return home Justin is ready for a nap if not already asleep. Norah is much calmer (the day we didn't go on a walk she was literally running circles in the house) and is much better behaved the rest of the day. I feel energized and refreshed, making the task of keeping up with two very active little ones an easier one.